STEM Program for Ages 6-8

Inspiring Young Makers Through Hands-On Learning

Young students working on STEM projects

This group will focus on foundational skills in building, basic circuits, problem-solving, and early engineering concepts through play, art, and tangible projects. Each month delivers hands-on experiences that introduce STEM principles in a highly engaging, age-appropriate format.

Monthly Curriculum

October

  1. Summary: Introduction to creative building and design thinking.
  2. Kit: KiwiCo “Playful Structures” (Link: https://www.kiwico.com)
  3. Meeting Focus: Icebreakers, STEM as fun, demo the kit, how to explore at home.
  4. Take-Home Work: Build the structures; try alternative materials (e.g. LEGO, straws). Reflect on what makes a strong design.

November

  1. Summary: Learn about simple machines.
  2. Kit: KiwiCo “Spin Art Machine”
  3. Meeting Focus: What is a simple machine? How do gears work?
  4. Take-Home Work: Create spin art. Experiment with different wheel sizes and belt tensions.

December

  1. Summary: Basic circuits.
  2. Kit: Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100
  3. Meeting Focus: What is a circuit? How does electricity flow?
  4. Take-Home Work: Complete at least 5 of the guided circuit projects.

January

  1. Summary: Explore magnetism and motion.
  2. Kit: TinkerCrate “Magnetic Levitation”
  3. Meeting Focus: What are magnetic fields? Hands-on magnetic demos.
  4. Take-Home Work: Set up your own magnetic tricks and games.

February

  1. Summary: Intro to sensors and sound.
  2. Kit: LittleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit
  3. Meeting Focus: What is a sensor? How does sound work?
  4. Take-Home Work: Build a noise-reactive instrument. Record a song.

March

  1. Summary: Learn about renewable energy.
  2. Kit: Thames & Kosmos Wind Power Set
  3. Meeting Focus: What is wind energy? How do turbines work?
  4. Take-Home Work: Build a windmill. Test outdoors. Track wind speed.

April

  1. Summary: Explore motion and mechanics.
  2. Kit: LEGO Technic™ “Pull Back Racer”
  3. Meeting Focus: Gears, levers, and motion.
  4. Take-Home Work: Customize racer designs. Compete in races.

May

  1. Summary: Begin coding with visual logic.
  2. Kit: Osmo Coding Starter Kit
  3. Meeting Focus: Logic building blocks, sequencing.
  4. Take-Home Work: Complete game challenges. Create your own mini game.

June

  1. Summary: Capstone month – combine what we learned.
  2. Kit: KiwiCo Light-Up Planetarium
  3. Meeting Focus: Show-and-tell, final projects, group builds.
  4. Take-Home Work: Present a favorite kit or create a new one using parts from old kits.
Month Focus Kit Take-Home Work
October Build together; introduce engineering process KiwiCo Wooden Automaton Complete build, draw motion diagram
November Intro to circuits; demo lights and buzzers Snap Circuits Jr Build 5 circuits, diagram one
December Discuss gears/levers; start assembly KiwiCo Automaton (resuse from Month 1) Build final, add decoration, film it
January Teach screen-free coding; demo path planning Botley 2.0 Set Design & program 3 mazes, reflect on logic
February Concept of cause & effect; demo run KiwiCo Marble Run Build 3 paths, film and evaluate
March Chain reaction set-up; test timing KiwiCo Domino Machine Build sequence, tweak for smoother run
April Motor+mechanical motion KiwiCo Walking Robot Complete build and personalize robot
May Build town system; teamwork LEGO BricQ Motion Town Create own town with moving parts, journal
June Showcase reflection; peer feedback Remix Box + Expo Prep Final remix, prepare presentation

What's Included

  • 9 complete project kits with all necessary components
  • Monthly in-person guidance sessions with experienced instructors
  • Student journal for tracking progress and reflections
  • Access to online resources and support materials
  • Showcase event in June to present projects and celebrate achievements
  • All materials included - no additional purchases needed
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